Ida Gray Nelson (Rollins) (1867 - 1953)

Ida Gray (also known in her later career as Ida Gray Nelson) was the first African-American woman to become a dentist in the United States. An orphan, she became interested in dentistry when she went to work in the offices of Jonathan Taft, an early advocate for women to learn dentistry. After her apprenticeship in his office, Gray was able to pass the entrance examinations to attended the University of Michigan School of Dentistry.

When she graduated, it was widely published that she was the first African American dentist in the United States and she was promoted as a role model for women to follow. Gray practiced in Ohio before settling in Chicago, where she remained until her death.

Nelson was a mentor and role model for her patients: One patient, Olive M. Henderson, became the second African-American dentist in Chicago

Known for
First African-American woman dentist

Popular practice in Chicago

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University of Michigan